Brazil’s Embrapa Plans 12-Year Research Program to Boost Cannabis Cultivation

Brazil’s leading agricultural research agency, Embrapa, is gearing up for a 12-year research initiative aimed at transforming cannabis cultivation in the country, much like it did with grains, cotton, and vegetables.  

Embrapa scientists, known for developing crop varieties suited to Brazil’s tropical climate, are awaiting approval from the country’s health agency, Anvisa, which could greenlight the cannabis research program this year. Their plans include creating a cannabis seed bank, adapting plant varieties to Brazilian soil and climate, and establishing regional cannabis production hubs.  

According to Embrapa researcher Bittencourt, around ten local and international companies have already expressed interest in partnering on cannabis research. These companies are exploring applications in medicine and food production, as well as potential benefits such as crop rotation and carbon sequestration in the soil.  

Embrapa’s past agricultural advancements have played a key role in Brazil’s rise as a global soybean powerhouse, increasing production tenfold since the 1970s. Now, the agency hopes to replicate that success with cannabis.  

A recent Brazilian court ruling legalized the cultivation of hemp for medicinal purposes, with Anvisa expected to finalize regulations by May. If approved, Embrapa’s research could position Brazil as a major player in the global cannabis industry.